Before you consent
to a fusion.
For discogenic pain, facet arthropathy, and early degenerative disc disease, MSC therapy is worth reviewing before a fusion or disc replacement. Spine cases need more evaluation, not less, and we do it carefully.
Discogenic pain, facet arthropathy, and early DDD in lumbar and cervical spine.
Spine response is typically the slowest of the joint regions. Peak at six months.
Spine cases require fluoroscopic delivery at multiple levels. Exact figure confirmed after evaluation.
Spine cases get
harder scrutiny.
Not every back or neck pain is a spine-structure problem, and not every spine-structure problem responds to biologics. The point of the evaluation is to separate those three categories before anyone commits.
Patients who do well have identifiable disc or facet pathology, confirmed imaging findings, and pain mechanisms that match. They've often been through PT, injections, and ablations without durable relief.
We decline spine cases more than any other region. Neurologic compromise, severe instability, and tumor or infection findings require different care pathways. We'll route you accordingly.
Discogenic pain, early DDD
MRI-confirmed disc pathology, positive provocative discography or modic changes, pain pattern consistent with findings.
Facet arthropathy, chronic axial pain
Facet-mediated pain confirmed by diagnostic block response. Non-radicular pain pattern.
Neuro compromise, severe instability
Progressive neurologic findings, spondylolisthesis requiring stabilization, severe stenosis, tumor, or infection. Surgery or different care, we refer.
Spine conditions
we evaluate.
Discogenic pain & DDD
Early disc degeneration with matching pain pattern and preserved disc height.
- Single or two-level
- Modic I or II changes
- Preserved height
Facet arthropathy
Facet-mediated axial pain confirmed by diagnostic block response.
- Positive block response
- Non-radicular pattern
- Chronic > 6 months
Post-surgical & refractory
Persistent pain after decompression, failed back syndrome, post-ablation patients still searching.
- Post-laminectomy drift
- Failed back syndrome
- Refractory axial pain
Fluoroscopic
multi-level delivery.
Spine injections require fluoroscopic guidance with contrast confirmation at every level. No ultrasound shortcuts. No blind injection.
Intradiscal delivery for disc cases, intra-facet for facet pathology, or combined for mixed presentations. Dose calibrated per level and your imaging.
Performed at Hospital Angeles, Tijuana, under light sedation. Most patients travel home the following morning with activity modifications in place.
MRI + mechanism map
Imaging cross-checked against pain pattern and prior diagnostic blocks. Level selection is deliberate.
Target levels
Intradiscal, intra-facet, or combined. One to three levels typical.
Fluoroscopic injection
Contrast confirmation at every level before cell release. Sterile cGMP handling throughout.
Systemic IV
Supporting dose for systemic anti-inflammatory effect.
30 / 60 / 90 days
ODI and VAS tracked at each interval. Imaging re-read at six months.
Spine is the
slowest joint region.
Activity resumption
Post-procedure soreness resolves. Structured return to walking and gentle loading.
Measurable shift
ODI scores begin improving for responders. Morning stiffness and sit-to-stand patterns shift.
Peak window
Best achievable relief. Some patients benefit from a second session at six months.
Durability window
Responders typically hold gains for one to three years with ongoing core conditioning.
Spine is the joint region most likely to require a second session. If your six-month response is partial, we evaluate candidacy for a booster rather than assuming.
Spine fusion recommendations often turn out to be the correct call. We aren't in the business of talking patients out of surgery they need. The evaluation exists to sort which category your case is in.
Spine-specific
questions.
Q.01Can MSC therapy avoid spinal fusion?
Q.02What if I have a herniated disc?
Q.03Will this help sciatica?
Q.04Can I drive home the same day?
Other joint regions
we treat.
Start with a
careful read.
A spine consult is a physician reviewing your imaging, history, and pain pattern, and telling you plainly whether MSC therapy is a realistic option or whether surgery is the honest answer.